[USA-HONDURAS] After going winless and scoring just one goal in its first three games since Coach Jurgen Klinsmann took the helm, the USA beat Honduras, 1-0, on Saturday in a friendly in Florida thanks a goal by veteran attacker Clint Dempsey.

The 28-year-old Dempsey now has 23 goals in 79 games for the USA.

Since Klinsmann took the helm, the USA had tied Mexico (1-1) and lost to Costa Rica (1-0) and Belgium (1-0). Dempsey played only against Belgium.

In the 35th minute against Honduras, Brek Shea sent a low ball from the right flank to Dempsey, who controlled the ball, seemed to set up a shot with his right foot but fooled his marker by pulling the ball back to his left foot and unleashed a shot from 16 yards high into the left corner of the goal.

Dempsey hit the net again with a header in the 85th minute but was ruled offside.

“It’s always important to win games because winning games builds confidence,” said Klinsmann. “Especially when we are in a transition like we are in right now. Trying to build something that suits the team and hopefully suits the people, too. It will take time, and you always have some setbacks, but obviously wins help you there.

“I think we should have won a bit higher, 2-0, 3-0 -- the second goal by Clint Dempsey was a clear goal. Now we’ve had a couple of games with a goal disallowed which were clear goals. But it certainly feels better when you win the game anyway.”

In the loss at Belgium, Maurice Edu had scored a goal that would have been the equalizer but was waved off by the linesman’s flag although replays showed Edu was onside.

“I was happy with what I saw,” Klinsmann said. “It took us a while to get in the game, because we were a bit too static, and they came out sharp and pushed us a little bit back.

“But after 20, 25 minutes we took over. We created chances and had a higher rhythm in the game. It was really just a question of time until we scored that goal. And then we had enough chances to double or triple it.”

A win against a World Cup qualifier in lousy conditions without several key players. That'll keep the 'why'd we fire Bob?' crowd off his back for a bit. Truthfully, as much as the US should have scored more goals, so should have Honduras. That game could have been 1-1 or 1-2 against us except for some Howard brilliance. If he played that well in the Gold Cup final, Bob would still be coaching the Gold Cup Champions. I'm glad he didn't. I like the style and positivity JK brings.

Roger Sokol

commented on: October 9, 2011 at 3:38 p.m.

Klinsi better get used to vastly uneven officiating in this region. It's more the norm than the exception especially when the US is involved. Anyhow, I'm more concerned with how the US played than any particular results at this time. In this game, the US did a lot of good things to create and sustain attacks on the Honduran goal. The defense was a bit iffy at times. But we all know that's going to take time to resolve. The players seem to be making progress trying to implement how JK wants them to play. That's good enough for now!!

Luis Arreola

commented on: October 10, 2011 at 9:14 a.m.

Lets not forget one important thing. These teams like Honduras, El Salvador, Panama and even Guatemala are showing some great improvement and most importantly some great faith in their younger players. Honduras had many new young players at this game. El Salvador is qualifying for 2nd round with quite a few U23 players getting quality minutes. I don't see USA accomplishing this and if it keeps up it will be.their downfall. These countries are preparing for the future and it looks good for them. I think USA will have its tuffest time qualifying for 2014. I prefer Klins s style but he doesn't currently have the players he needs to execute well enough to win. Everyone here will see his style of play as the flaw instead of the USA player development system wich is truly the biggest problem in this picture.

Dannie Whitehouse

commented on: October 10, 2011 at 10:07 a.m.

Bingo! Luis, it is the US player development system!I remember how soccer started in Oklahoma...It was going to be the "great" equalizer game, no score keeping, no winners or losers, the big blow for nerds and dorks everywhere!Then, when we tried to get serious, we decided to just hire used up, drunken UK NASL retirees and rejects and they just wanted the money of rich white yuppies...of course, I could be wrong....

Dannie Whitehouse

commented on: October 10, 2011 at 10:09 a.m.

Seriously, I like what Klins is doing, if we can scrape up the talent before the fans lose patience with him...

Luis Arreola

commented on: October 10, 2011 at 5:18 p.m.

Stuper, you are a stupid hill billy. Mostly everyone else seems to agree with my comments except for your dumb ass. My comment is based on logical facts. You should try that some time dumby!

Luis Arreola

commented on: October 10, 2011 at 5:54 p.m.

Your ignorance is only surpassed by your lack of knowledge of these teams. El Salvador had many new U23s playing these qualifiers. Read White House comments. That's called agreeing with me dumby. Guatemalas U20 knocked out Usa U20 who was claimed as one of the best USA national teams yet. USA U17 did worse than a few of these teams you are not concerned with. You are dumb.

Raveen Rama

commented on: October 11, 2011 at 4:14 a.m.

Super Man, Your comments don't justify your name! Why don't you stop accusing others of being racists? Have you heard of the saying, "It take a thief to catch a thief"?
If you are looking for a racist comment in an article you will surely find it even if it is not meant to be racist!

Luis Arreola

commented on: October 11, 2011 at 11:48 p.m.

Is Ecuador another one of those teams you were also not worried about, Stup? You are the only one here that agrees with yourself. You seem to not like to deal with facts. Super!!!